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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 73 records · Page 4

Robust Predictive Control for Modular Solid-State Transformer With Reduced DC Link and Parameter Mismatch

This paper presents the analysis and implementation of a predictive control method for dc-link regulation and voltage balance in a cascaded modular reduced dc-link solid-state transformer (SST). Passive components like bulky dc links limit the power density of power converters, especially medium-voltage (MV) SST. Reduced dc-link or low-inertia converters can dramatically reduce the size, cost, and weight by tolerating larger dc-link ripples and improve the reliability with electrolytic capacitor-less dc link. However, a small dc link leads to tight coupling between the input and the output stages, which is a challenge for control design. In stacked low-inertia converters (SLIC), the low-inertia converter modules are stacked for MV applications, resulting in coupling between the modules and making the control more challenging. A new model predictive control method which can achieve deadbeat regulation on the dc link without weighting factors has been proposed to address this novel problem. This paper focuses on analyzing the condition of the low-inertia dc link up to 80% ripple, the robustness of the control under parameter mismatches, high-order terms, and important implementation issues such as model-based sampling and computation delay compensation. Significantly, the high-order terms are introduced because of the large dc-link ripple. These high-order terms are unique to the SLIC and negligible in conventional high-inertia converters. A discrete-time large-signal model is built to capture the dc-link’s nonlinear dynamics, and the eigenvalues of a small-signal Jacobian matrix are analyzed with Floquet theory to evaluate stability, using the modular soft-switching solid-state transformer (M-S4T) as an example of the SLIC. Simulation and experimental results of an MVDC M-S4T verify the analysis and the predictive control method. Finally, the general application of the predictive control to low-inertia converters is compared against a conventional PI controller using a reduced dc-link active-front-end (AFE) rectifier as an example.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Quantification of Uncertainty and Risk Sensitivity for Safety of Emerging Operations

The growing need to develop and deploy small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAVs) for various applications in the airspace necessitates reliable tools to accurately predict the flight trajectories of the sUAVs. The knowledge of the predicted trajectories help decision makers anticipate potential conflict, assess the risk, and take appropriate risk mitigation actions. In addition, uncertainties in vehicle models, weather, and controller action further highlights the need for reliable prediction tools. In this project, the application of mixed sparse grid-based quadrature and generalized polynomial chaos(gPC) expansion method for uncertainty quantification and collision assessment in air traffic consisting of fixed-wing small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAV) was studied. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that this provides a reliable framework to carry out quantitative conflict assessment in an unmanned air traffic, which when employed, can improve the functionalities of the unmanned traffic management system. It was observed that the results from the gPC expansion framework developed in the project can be utilized to conduct rapid probabilistic collision assessment for near real-time unmanned traffic management in the airspace. From the vehicle models, position updates, and wind-field data, a priori gPC based 3-σcon-fidence ellipses can provide estimates of potential conflict at some future instants. The computational costs scaled linearly when the uncertain inputs were fewer. Further, the largest allowable distribution of para-metric uncertainties that leads to the smallest risk of collision in traffic of small unmanned aerial vehicles could be calculated. The time of closest approach between two sUAVs can be established paving way for development of proactive mitigation strategies. The separation between the sUAVs was found to be most significantly affected by uncertainties in the maximum available thrusts, zero-lift drag coefficients, and wing planform areas of the sUAVs. The study of uncertain wind-fields indicated that a heterogeneous traffic mix resulted in an increased probability of conflict. Increased measurement update rate reduced the uncertain-ties in the trajectories of the vehicles, further reducing the probability of conflict but rapid updates of all vehicles in the airspace poses a stringent communication limitation. The gPC framework also provided the means to analyze vehicle impact (crash region) due to loss of control resulting from actuator failure in sUAS traffic, essentially to predict impact and crash zones for representative vehicles. The predicted regions when compared with non-participant density, provides a means to develop an early mitigation strategy, should the sUAV detect an imminent actuator failure.

Rajnish Bhusal↗

Low- and intermediate-temperature oxidation of dimethyl ether up to 100 atm in a supercritical pressure jet-stirred reactor

Understanding the low- and intermediate-temperature oxidation chemistry of oxygenated fuels like dimethyl ether (DME) at high pressure is paramount to the development of advanced engines with low carbon emissions. The supercritical pressure jet-stirred reactor (SP-JSR) recently developed at Princeton provides a new platform for conducting kinetic studies at low and intermediate temperatures at extremely high pressures with a uniform temperature distribution and a short flow residence time. This paper uses the SP-JSR to investigate DME oxidation at equivalence ratios of 0.175, 1.0, and 1.72, for pressures of 10 and 100 atm, and temperatures ranging from 400 to 900 K. The results demonstrate weakened NTC behavior at 100 atm relative to 10 atm due to increased flux through QOOH + O 2 = O 2 QOOH relative to QOOH = 2 CH 2 O + OH at 100 atm. Furthermore, the intermediate-temperature oxidation window is shifted to lower temperatures at 100 atm. The experimental data are compared with several chemical kinetic models from the literature. The existing models are seen to agree quite well with the experimental data at 10 atm. However, the models fail to properly capture the NTC behavior at 100 atm. Reaction pathway analyses indicate that both the low- and intermediate-temperature chemistries are controlled by RO 2 consumption pathways. The reaction rates for several of the important reactions, such as DME + OH = CH 3 OCH 2 + H 2 O, H 2 O 2 (+M) = 2 OH (+M), and 2 HO 2 = 2 OH + O 2 are updated in this work. Furthermore, the updated model improves the predictability for all key species compared to the original model.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Space Shuttle Orbiter nose cap thermal analysis

The results of a Space Shuttle Orbiter nose cap entry aeroheating assessment, thermal analysis, and correlation of flight data using multidimensional thermal math models (TMM's) and a chemically reacting boundary-layer program are described in this paper. The object of this study was to verify and revise, if required, the nose cap design heating methods and the TMM's used for flight certification. Flight temperature measurements from two Orbiter vehicles, Columbia and Challenger, have been used in this analysis and provide the basis for verification and correlation of the aerothermodynamic environment. Nose cap thermal response predictions, using TMM's verified from certification tests, show that the aerothermodynamic environment can be satisfactorily predicted using accepted analytical methods.

Curry, D. M.↗

Limit on overshooting from the convective core in upper main-sequence stars

Overshooting of convective elements far beyond the classical Schwarzschild convective core boundary in theoretical models of massive ZAMS stars is found to lead to significant reductions of stellar luminosity and radius, provided that the temperature gradient in the overshoot region can be approximated by the adiabatic gradient. Comparison of these theoretical models with binary star data for the range of 5-15 solar masses indicates that the ratio of overshoot distance to pressure scale height is probably less than 1.5. This result apparently excludes any overshooting theories that predict very extended adiabatic convective cores.

Stothers, Richard B.↗

Anisotropic shock jump conditions: Theory and observations

The MHD Rankine-Hugoniot (RH) relations for shock waves in a collisionless plasma with bi-Maxwellian distribution functions are considered. While by introducing the pressure anisotropy parameter xi in the RH relations, the number of unknowns -- B, V, n, p and xi (a total of 9) -- becomes one more than the total number of the conservation equations, it is possible to use the observed quantities on both sides of the shock to study the anisotropy changes across the shock. A simple relation for the anisotropy change across the shock is derived as a function of the ratio of magnetic fields m(= B'/B), the shock normal angle theta(sub Bn) and the plasma beta and beta' (primes are downstream values). Since m and theta(sub Bn) can be determined accurately in observation, the reliability of the anisotropy change deduced is mostly dependent on the accuracy of the measurements beta and beta'. We have applied the results to six low-beta quasi-perpendicular (Q perpendicular) laminar bow shock crossings with temperature anisotropy measured in the magnetosheath. In the six test cases, it is found that the predicted pressure anisotropies agree well with those observed in the magnetosheath.

Chao, J. K.↗

Multiscale, mechanistic calculation of the effective silver diffusion coefficient in polycrystalline silicon carbide: application to silver release in AGR-1 TRISO particles

The silicon carbide (SiC) layer in tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles serves as a barrier to prevent the escape of fission from the fuel kernel. The release of silver (Ag) is a concern due to the long half-life of the 110mAg isotope. In this study, the effective diffusion coefficient of the fission product Ag through the grain boundary (GB) network is calculated using a combination of atomistic and phase-field methods. Atomistic calculations of Ag diffusivity in SiC bulk and GBs are leveraged to develop a mesoscale effective Ag diffusion coefficient (Deff) in SiC. Since GBs serve as pathways for Ag diffusion, Deff is defined as a function of temperature, microstructure variables, and fluence. Deff is implemented in the fuel performance code Bison to predict Ag release from AGR-1 TRISO fuel particles. We hereby quantify the impact of SiC grain size and irradiation on Ag release and improve Bison's predictions.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Parametric model-order-reduction development for unsteady convection

A time-averaged error indicator with POD- h Greedy is developed to drive parametric model order reduction (pMOR) for 2D unsteady natural convection in a high-aspect ratio slot parameterized with the Prandtl number, Rayleigh number, and slot angle with respect to the gravity. The error indicator is extended to accommodate the energy equation and Leray regularization. Despite being two-dimensional and laminar, the target flow regime presents several challenges: 1) there is a bifurcation in the angle parameter space; 2) the solution can be multivalued, even at steady state; and 3) the solution exhibits spatio-temporal chaos at several points in the parameter space. The authors explore several reduced-order models (ROMs) and demonstrate that Leray-regularized Galerkin ROMs provide a robust solution approach for this class of flows. They further demonstrate that error-indicated pMOR can efficiently predict several QOIs, such as mean flow, mean Nusselt number and mean turbulent kinetic energy, even in the presence of a bifurcation. Finally, they show that spatio-temporal chaos can lead to lack of reproducibility in both the full-order model and the reduced-order model and that the variance in the full-order model provides a lower bound on the pMOR error in these cases.

leray regularization↗

Reactor antineutrino flux and anomaly

Reactor antineutrinos have played a significant role in establishing the standard model of particle physics and the theory of neutrino oscillations. In this article, we review the reactor antineutrino flux and in particular the reactor antineutrino anomaly (RAA) coined over a decade ago. RAA refers to a deficit of the measured antineutrino inverse beta decay rates at very short-baseline reactor experiments compared to the theoretically improved predictions (i.e. the Huber–Mueller model). Since the resolution of several previous experimental anomalies have led to the discovery of non-zero neutrino mass and mixing, many efforts have been invested to study the origin of RAA both experimentally and theoretically. The progress includes the observation of discrepancies in antineutrino energy spectrum between data and the Huber–Mueller model, the re-evaluation of the Huber–Mueller model uncertainties, the potential isotope-dependent rate deficits, and the better agreement between data and new model predictions using the improved summation method. Importantly, these developments disfavor the hypothesis of a light sterile neutrino as the explanation of RAA and supports the deficiencies of Huber–Mueller model as the origin. Looking forward, more effort from both the theoretical and experimental sides is needed to fully understand the root of RAA and to make accurate predictions of reactor antineutrino flux and energy spectrum for future discoveries.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Gas-Phase Study of the Elementary Reaction of the D1-Ethynyl Radical (C 2 D; X 2 Σ + ) with Propylene (C 3 H 6 ; X 1 A') under Single-Collision Conditions

The bimolecular gas-phase reactions of the D1-ethynyl radical (C 2 D; X 2 Σ + ) with propylene (C 3 H 6 ; X 1 A’) and partially substituted D3-3,3,3-propylene (C 2 H 3 CD 3 ; X 1 A’) were studied under single collision conditions utilizing the crossed molecular beams technique. Combining our laboratory data with electronic structure and statistical calculations, the D1-ethynyl radical is found to add without barrier to the C1 and C2 carbons of the propylene reactant, resulting in doublet C 5 H 6 D intermediate(s) with lifetime(s) longer than their rotational period(s). These intermediates undergo isomerization and unimolecular decomposition via atomic hydrogen loss through tight exit transition states forming predominantly cis/trans-3-penten-1-yne ((HCC)CH=CH(CH 3 )) and to a minor amount 3-methyl-3-buten-1-yne ((HCC)C(CH 3 )=CH 2 ) via overall exoergic reactions. Although the title reaction does not lead to the cyclopentadiene molecule (c-C 5 H 6 , X 1 A 1 ), high temperature environments can convert the identified acyclic C 5 H 6 isomers through hydrogen atom assisted isomerization to cyclopentadiene (c-C 5 H 6 , X 1 A 1 ). Since both the ethynyl radical and propylene reactants have been observed in cold interstellar environments such as TMC-1 and the reaction is exoergic and all barriers lie below the energy of the separated reactants, the these C 5 H 6 product isomers are predicted to form in those low temperature regions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

On the use of colour reflectivity plots to monitor the structure of the troposphere and stratosphere

The radar reflectivity, defined as the range squared corrected power of VHF radar echoes, can be used to monitor and study the temporal development of inversion layer, frontal boundaries and convective turbulence. From typical featurs of upward or downward motion of reflectivity structures, the advection/convection of cold and warm air can be predicted. High resolution color plots appear to be useful to trace and to study the life history of these structures, particularly their persistency, descent and ascent. These displays allow an immediate determination of the tropopause height as well as the determination of the tropopause structure. The life history of warm fronts, cold fronts, and occlusions can be traced, and these reflectivity plots allow detection of even very weak events which cannot be seen in the traditional meteorological data sets. The life history of convective turbulence, particular evolving from the planetary boundary layer, can be tracked quite easily. Its development into strong convection reaching the middle troposphere can be followed and predicted.

Rottger, J.↗

An improved method for simultaneous determination of frictional pressure drop and vapor volume fraction in vertical flow boiling

The two-phase frictional pressure drop and vapor volume fraction in the vertical boiling and adiabatic flow of the refrigerant, R11, have been simultaneously measured by a liquid balancing column and differential magnetic reluctance pressure transducers. An account is given of the experimental apparatus and procedure, data acquisition and analysis, and error estimation employed. All values of two-phase multipliers evaluated on the basis of the measured frictional pressure drop data in vertical upflow fall in the range bounded by the predictions of the Chisholm correlation and the homogeneous model.

Klausner, J. F.↗

Uncertainty Quantification Methodology for Sonic Boom Loudness of a Low-Boom Supersonic Concept

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of uncertainty quantification for sonic boom loudness metrics associated with the X-59 aircraft during its acoustic validation phase. The study focuses on employing advanced methodologies to characterize uncertainties in key sonic boom parameters predicted from a database derived from a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver. These methodologies include creating a polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) surrogate model, which is then used to run a Monte Carlo analysis to obtain 95% uncertainty intervals for sonic boom loudness parameters across the full carpet. Atmospheric uncertainties are rigorously considered, leveraging weather models based on historical data near Edwards Air Force Base to simulate potential flight conditions. The findings include preliminary uncertainty results for the full carpet during the validation phase of the Quesst mission. Additionally, a sensitivity study reveals that the primary sources of uncertainty are humidity and cruise weight.

Laura M. White↗

Self-Learning Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations of Radiation Damage in Nuclear Fuels

Understanding how irradiation affects the thermo-physical and mechanical properties of nuclear materials, such as thermal conductivity degradation in fuels and embrittlement of structural components, is critical to the safety and efficiency of nuclear reactors. These effects are largely governed by the formation and evolution of atomic-scale point defects and defect clusters. Due to their small sizes, however, these defects are invisible under high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. This project aims to fill this experimental knowledge gap by integrating density functional theory (DFT), machine learning interatomic potential (MLIP), and kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) techniques to predict longtime evolution of irradiation-induced defects in nuclear fuels.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A machine learning model for predicting the minimum miscibility pressure of CO 2 and crude oil system based on a support vector machine algorithm approach

CO 2 enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is a potential way for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS). Though, the effect of CO 2 injection is greatly influenced by the reservoir conditions. Typically, Minimum miscible pressure (MMP) is selected as one of the key parameters for the screening and evaluation of prospective CO 2 flooding. Conventional slim tube test is both accurate and widely accepted but it is inefficient. Existing empirical formulas for MMPs are easy to be used but have been proved inaccurate and unreliable. Machine learning-based methods have great advantages in predicting MMP. However, only predication accuracy is discussed for most models without the screening of the main control factors and further validation of the model reliability. In this paper, a new prediction model based on support vector machine (SVM) was developed for pure/impure CO 2 and crude oil system. This study was based on 147 sets of MMP data from the literature with full information on reservoir temperature, oil composition and gas composition. The main control factors were screened by several statistical methods. Unlike the conventional prediction models that verified by only prediction accuracy, learning curve and single factor control variable analysis are further validated to obtain the optimum model.

02 PETROLEUM↗

Understanding the effect of irradiation and silicon carbide microstructure on silver diffusion in TRISO particles

The silicon carbide (SiC) layer in tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles serves as a barrier to prevent the escape of fission from the fuel kernel. The release of silver (Ag) is a concern due to the long half-life of the 110mAg isotope. In this study, a combination of atomistic and phase-field methods focuses on quantifying the effect of irradiation and SiC microstructure on Ag diffusion. Atomistic calculations provide the Ag diffusivity in SiC bulk and GBs, also providing an estimate of the effect of irradiation defects on Ag diffusivity in bulk SiC. These lower length scale efforts are leveraged to develop a mesoscale effective Ag diffusion coefficient (Deff) in SiC. Deff is defined as a function of temperature, microstructure variables, and fluence. Deff is implemented in the fuel performance code Bison to predict Ag release from AGR-1 and AGR-2 TRISO fuel particles. We hereby quantify the impact of SiC grain size and irradiation on Ag release and improve Bison's predictions.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗